2024 NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “C”
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| SERIES PREVIEW – The Natinonal League East Champion Bandicoots have the Ghost win in the back pocket and look to take on the Rats from the National League West in what could be a very close series. Teams:
Season Series:
Team Strengths:
Current Series Status:
Odds for the Remaining Seven-Game Series:
This series promises to be a solid matchup between the Bandicoots’ dominant pitching and the Rats’ robust offense and defense.
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| GAME #1 – Taijuan Walker 15-11 (3.34) vs. Michael Wacha 9-3 (2.10)
In an exciting Game 1 of the Championship Series, the Bethesda Bandicoots emerged victorious over the Arboga Rats with a final score of 7-4. The game started with both teams struggling to score, remaining tied at 0-0 until the fourth inning. Ha Seong Kim broke the deadlock with a solo home run, putting the Rats ahead 1-0. However, the Bandicoots responded strongly in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring six runs, highlighted by a three-run double from Ryan O’Hearn and an RBI single from Andrew Vaughn, making it 6-1. The Rats attempted a comeback in the seventh inning with a two-run homer by Joey Meneses and a solo shot by Joc Pederson, narrowing the gap to 6-4. The Bandicoots added an insurance run in the eighth inning, thanks to a successful sacrifice bunt by T.J. Friedl, extending their lead to 7-4. Josh Hader closed out the game for Bethesda, striking out the side in the ninth inning to secure the win. Bethesda 7 – Arboga 4 Win: Michael Wacha 1-0 (4.26) |
| GAME #2 – Emmet Sheehan 2-5 (2.23) vs. Merrill Kelly 16-6 (2.57)
The Bethesda Bandicoots secured a 2-0 victory over the Arboga Rats. The game started with strong pitching performances from both teams. Merrill Kelly of the Bandicoots was exceptional, striking out 10 batters and allowing only three hits over seven innings. The Bandicoots took an early lead in the first inning with Ryan O’Hearn’s RBI single, bringing T.J. Friedl home. Andrew Vaughn extended the lead with a solo home run in the sixth inning. Emmet Sheehan of the Rats pitched well but was ultimately outdueled, giving up two runs on five hits over five and two-thirds innings. Jesse Chavez closed the game for the Bandicoots, earning his first save of the series. The Rats had opportunities but couldn’t capitalize, leaving five runners on base. The Bandicoots now lead the series 2-0. Bethesda 2 – Arboga 0 Win: Merrill Kelly 1-0 (0.00) |
| GAME #3 – George Kirby 21-6 (2.50) vs. Ryan Walker 4-3 (3.24)
In Game 3 of this Wild Card Round Series, the Arboga Rats secured a 5-2 victory over the Bethesda Bandicoots. The game began with a scoreless first inning, but the Bandicoots took an early lead in the second inning with a two-run homer by Shea Langeliers. However, the Rats responded swiftly in the bottom of the second, tying the game with a two-run double by Joey Meneses and taking the lead with a single from Matt Vierling. Adley Rutschman extended the Rats’ lead to 5-2 with a two-run homer in the third inning. Despite multiple opportunities, the Bandicoots couldn’t capitalize, leaving 11 runners on base throughout the game. Jimmy Cordero earned the win, George Kirby took the loss, and Abner Uribe secured the save. Arboga 5 – Bethesda 2 Win: Jimmy Cordero 1-0 (0.00) |
| GAME #4 – Michael Wacha 9-3 (2.10) vs. Adrian Houser 8-7 (4.07)
Game 4 of the Championship Series, the Bethesda Bandicoots triumphed over the Arboga Rats with a final score of Bethesda 6 – Arboga 2. The Bandicoots took an early lead in the first inning with T.J. Friedl’s solo home run. They continued to build their lead with a series of hits and home runs, including a two-run homer by Paul DeJong and a solo shot by Yu-Chen Chang in the fourth inning, followed by Adam Duvall’s solo homer in the fifth. The Rats struggled to respond, managing only two runs in the seventh inning from back-to-back doubles by Jorge Soler and Ha Seong Kim. Bethesda’s pitching was solid throughout, with Mike Baumann stepping in for an injured Michael Wacha and securing the win. Baumann’s performance, combined with effective relief pitching, kept the Rats at bay. Bethesda 6 -Arboga 2 Win: Mike Baumann 1-0 (0.00) |
| SERIES SUMMARY – The Bethesda Bandicoots won the series against the Arboga Rats 4-1, including the Ghost win. The Bandicoots’ pitching was a key factor, with standout performances from Merrill Kelly, who struck out 10 batters in Game 2, and Michael Wacha, who secured a win in Game 1. Offensively, Ryan O’Hearn and Andrew Vaughn were crucial, with O’Hearn’s three-run double in Game 1 and Vaughn’s solo home run in Game 2. The Rats managed to win Game 3 with a strong showing from Joey Meneses and Adley Rutschman but couldn’t sustain their momentum. Bethesda’s solid pitching and timely hitting ultimately led them to victory and a spot in the National League Division Series against the Triple Creek Patriots. |